Now when you think of Pit Bulls, you think of ‘dangerous dogs.’ Its no surprise to any of us since Pit Bulls receive a lot of bad press. There was a time when Pit Bulls were ‘fighting dogs.’ They were raised to be aggressive so that people could wager money on the fights.
The reputation and so many myths follow this breed still. However, there are so many Pit Bull myths that can easily be debunked. On the contrary, this super-energetic and friendly breed, if anything, has earned a well-deserved reputation for courage.
Though Pit Bulls originate from England and Ireland, there are a few disputes regarding their actual origins. Despite their prevalence in America, approximately 1.2 million dogs are euthanized annually. Sadly, 40% of these are estimated to be some Pit Bull.
Whatever the myths say, Pit Bulls are friendly and outgoing dogs. And like any other dog breed out there, they deserve a loving home. Just like other breeds, if they’re correctly raised, trained, and socialized, we see no reason why they wouldn’t be as affectionate as any other dog.
Whether you are a fan who likes reading about Pit Bulls, or you’re thinking of adopting/shopping, we believe there’s a perfect chance that you will fall in love with one of the breeds below as you scroll down.
To get you acquainted with some of the different types of mixed Pit Bull, we’ve put together a list of Pit Bull mixes. Each is beautiful and unique in their particular way.
Before we begin on the mix breeds, look at what the actual Pit Bull is characterized.
What is a Pit Bull?
Pitbulls are typically medium-sized dogs with muscular bodies. They will usually have cropped ears and can come in a variety of beautiful terrier colors.
They are short, compact, and dense, with a powerful and effortless gait. They often appear ‘muscular.’ They have powerful jaws and strong necks.
When we say ‘Pit Bull,’ it doesn’t strictly mean a single particular dog breed. Instead, it means a certain type of dog derived from persistent crossbreeding of the following breeds: Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bulldog.
Pit Bulls are intelligent and friendly. Stubborn as they might be, they are kind and affectionate. Despite rising popularity in Pit Bulls as family dogs, there is still a general perception that they are aggressive and prone to attacking strangers.
According to dog trainers, inadequate training and negligence lead to aggressive behavior. With proper socialization, obedience training, and a lot of affection, they can raise them into a loving family pet just like any other dog breed.
Popular Pitbull Mixes
We’ve listed down some popular Pit Bull mixes that will make you look at this beautiful dog breed in an entirely new way.
1. Shepherd Pit
Breed: German Shepherd x Pit Bull mix
German Shepherds are one of the topmost loved breeds in America. It only makes sense that you’d see this mixed breed on the top as well. The Shepherd Pit is the outcome of crossbreeding a German Shepherd with a Pit Bull Terrier.
Breeders introduced these hybrids in the early 2000s, and they’ve been growing in popularity ever since. You can guess why.
Shepherd Pits are the right amount of intelligence and loyalty. Traits of the German Shepherd combined with the firmness and fearlessness of the Pit Bull. These are an active breed that thrives when constantly indulged in activities.
You can keep them engaged in some physical tasks or even volunteer your pup for service dog training. Shepherd Pit pups have high energy levels that taper off with age. They also make excellent watchdogs and guardians.
Both parent dog breeds have reputations for being aggressive. The Shepherd Pit is a breed for experienced owners. They aren’t considered the most kid-friendly dogs either, that is why they need a lot of socializing, especially with children around.
2. Labrabull
Breed: Labrador x Pit Bull mix
Another American favorite, the Labrador, makes Labrabull one of the most popular Pit Bull mixes. This breed is a cross between a Labrador and a Pit Bull. Labs are one of the most friendly dogs ever created. These traits, combined with a Pit Bull’s loyalty, make this an excellent mix for families looking for children-friendly Pit Bull mixes.
As with most Pit Bull mixes, these dogs retain the Pit Bull characteristic of a powerful, strong head and neck. They also have a muscular body, although more agile.
They’re low maintenance dogs. They’re pleasant and have a Labs’ cheerful temperament too. These dogs love kids, but without socialization and training, they can become a little withdrawn.
The pups are sweet-natured and very active. They are very loyal and protective o the family but may somewhat remain reserved with strangers. You will come across these in rescues and animal shelters just because of how common each parental breed is.
3. Pitweiler
Breed: Rotweiler x Pit Bull mix
The Pitweiler breeds are one of the most popular guard dog breeds till yet. The Pitweiler is a mix of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the loyal yet courageous Rottweiler. They’re so popular that they’re often depicted in cartoons and media as such too. These dogs are cautious and guarded towards strangers, but they are extremely loyal to their families.
These are a large dog with strong protective instincts. They can grow up to 20 to 23 inches tall while weighing about 65 to 100 lbs. They have a sturdy build, strong jaws, and the Pit Bull’s trademark gait. Depending on the parents, they usually have the Rottie’s black and tan coat.
Temperament wise, it depends on which parent’s genetics are dominant. Since both parental species are somewhat reserved towards strangers, it is important for you to properly socialize at an early age, especially if you wish to get one as a family dog.
Overall, they have a silent yet assertive aura. As pups, they are playful and need to be involved in physical activities to keep them engaged. This breed can turn out to be an excellent family dog for you only if you are willing to invest time and patience to train it correctly.
4. Pitsky
Breed: Siberian Husky x Pit Bull mix
Husky is one of the most handsome breeds out there. Dog lovers adore them for their wolves like features and the captivating blue eyes.
The Pitsky is a handsome looking cross between an American Pitbull and a Siberian or Alaskan Husky.
Piskies have a unique appearance. Every individual of this breed is different from the next. They come in varying color, hair, and ears, and may inherit the blue eyes.
This breed acquires its adventurous traits from both parents. They are active and full of energy. They make excellent hiking or traveling companion. They require plenty of exercises, and they naturally thrive in high-energy households or environments.
You will have to take them out to the beach or the park a lot more often than you’d like. Their Husky heritage can make them moody and destructive when bored.
They are good with children, and their playful nature can keep things exciting around you.
5. DaneBull
Breed: Great Dane x Pit Bull mix
There’s a reason why the Great Dane is called ‘great.’ These are some of the most massive dogs on the globe. They can grow up to be the size of a small horse. DaneBull is a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Great Dane.
These have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and can grow up to 24-30 inches. This breed is known as the Great Danebull. The International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and the Dog Registry of America (DRA) officially recognize this breed.
Despite being a large dog, Great Danes are gentle and affectionate. Danebulls have a ferocious appearance, but despite that, they are very loving, sweet-tempered, soft, and full of energy. Taking on the Pit Bull traits, they are also alert, friendly, intelligent, and endearingly protective towards the family.
They enjoy exploring, being sociable, and like being around people. They are curious but can be aloof with strangers. Like most other pitbull mixes, you need to train, discipline, and socialize them.
The Great Danebull should not be left alone for a long time, as it is prone to boredom. Overall, these are great family dogs.
6. Pitbull Mastiff
Breed: English Mastiff x Pit Bull mix
Pitbull Mastiffs are a mix between Pit Bulls and English Mastiffs. These mixed breeds have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years and can weigh up to 150 pounds or more. The English Mastiff is another gentle giant, and the result varies significantly at which breed the pup takes after.
Generally, these are large dogs with healthy gait and neck. These are alert and very talented in guarding. These are very protective and socially confident as well, which makes these casually fearless of almost anything. The Pitbull Mastiffs are also great with children, as long as you introduce early training and socialization.
When it comes to looks and temperament, it can vary significantly among each individual. It inherently depends on the types of mastiffs or pit bulls used. However, when you cross large dogs with a friendly nature with small dogs with a strong temperament, you’re open to a wide range of outcomes.
So if your mixed breed takes after its English parent, it’ll be mellow, sweet-natured, and energy-wise – a couch potato. But if it takes after the American parent, you can expect it to be more active and demanding to go out on walks and runs.
Overall, this dog breed requires initial training and disciplining before reaching maturity, but rest assured, the results are rewarding.
7. Pit Pie
Breed: Chinese Shar-Pei x Pit Bull mix
The Sharpull Terriers are a mix between Pit Bull and Chinese Shar-Pei. This designer dog breed is relatively new and has been around since just the early 2000s. These are a medium to large cross breed with a life span of 10 to 12 years.
These inherit its gait and sturdy build from the Pit Bull parent while, on the other hand, the dark eyes, muzzle, and wrinkled skin come from the Shar-Pei parent. These are relatively low maintenance dogs with moderate to low shedding.
Sharpull Terriers may experience dominance and territorial issues. That is why they need strict early training and socialization. As an owner of this Pit Bull mix, you will need strong leadership skills to avoid dominance and disobedience issues since this breed has a certain stubborn streak.
However, a typically well trained Sharpull terrier is a very loyal and loving dog, especially with the family.
Pit Pie has a muscular physique and tends to be very active, especially as pups. They thrive in plenty of attention and feel validated.
They can often act out when this is not provided. These are highly intelligent and very protective mix breeds.
Their dominating traits come in very handy as a guard dog. They are reserved when it comes to strangers or new people.
8. Chipit
Breed: Chihuahua x Pit Bull mix
The Chipit is one of the strangest hybrids on our list. It results from crossbreeding a petite-sized Chihuahua and the Pit Bull Terrier. Despite having Chihuahua genes, they’re still capable of growing 12 to 18 inches tall and weigh between 15 to 35 pounds.
Like a few other mixed breeds mentioned above, having two different sized parents can lead to a lot of size variation with these dogs. The Chipit size, therefore, depends on which parent provides the more dominant genes. That is why these can be either small or medium dogs.
Most Chi-mixes have some attitude that comes with the genes. This attitude can vary from being downright reclusive to very friendly. Chipits are high energy dogs that love to be around their family. They’re at their happiest when they’re the center of their family’s attention.
They are active and enjoy participating in family activities. They love to cuddle and stay around the owner for most of their day. Even if your Chipit is mellow or a couch potato, do not leave them alone or unattended for a long time.
Even with Pit Bull genes, the Chipit is friendly with familiar kids and other pets. Early socializing is essential, regardless. The Chipit is a unique dog and may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
9. Bullboxer Pit
Breed: Boxer x Pit Bull mix
Bullboxer Pits are a designer dog, resulting from crossbreeding the Boxer and the Pit Bull Terrier. Though they only grow up to 16 to 20 inches tall and they can weigh 50 to 80 lbs, so overall they’re small dogs. Taking on their Pit Bull parents, they’re muscular with strong neck and jaws. They have a single layer of a smooth, slick coat.
The Boxer is another of one of America’s top dog breeds. Their casual and playful attitude makes them a great family dog. They are infamous for being very energetic. The cheerfulness, combined with a Pit’s intelligence and alertness, makes the Bullboxer an ideal family dog.
They can be a little stubborn and require a confident owner. They need a firm hand in training and socializing; otherwise, they can tend to be dominant.
Bullboxer Pits are low maintenance. They require regular brushing and baths once a month. Both parents are highly active and energetic dogs, so Bullboxers need 1 to 2 hours of physical activity a day. The pups are highly playful, and you’ll need to keep them engaged daily.
Bullboxer Pits are generally reclusive when it comes to strangers. You’ll have to socialize early and often to make them more socially confident. Because there are a few stark similarities between the Boxer parent and Pitbull parent, this mixed breed often looks more like a purebred Pit Bull.
10. Beagle Pits
Breed: Beagle x Pit Bull mix
Beagle Pits are the result of crossbreeding a Beagle and Pit Bull Terrier. They’re relatively a new designer dog breed with only a few decades of history. They’re gaining momentum due to their sweet temperaments and handsome looks.
Beagle Pits have successfully inherited the desired characteristics of both their parents, Beagles and Pit Bulls. They are medium-sized dogs and have a sturdy and muscular build. The silent, thoughtful nature and no-fuss short coat make these very comfortable. The Beagle side brings in the more calm and docile touch to this mix breed.
Beagle Pits have high energy and good stamina, especially the pups. They enjoy the outdoors, parks or beaches or even swims. They’re likable, friendly, loving, playful, and protective of their family members. They make perfect companions even for senior citizens but need enough exercise to stay happy and engaged.
Their laid back nature is a top trait. The pups tend to be jumpy and easily excitable, but overall they will calm down as they age. There may be a mild stubborn streak. You will have to keep a firm hand during initial training.
They’re great family dogs and can easily be trained and brought up in almost any setup.
11. Golden Pit
Breed: Golden Retriever x Pit Bull mix
The Golden Retriever is hands down among the most loving and gentle dog breeds out there. They’re almost among the most loved and sought after family dogs. The Golden retriever and Pitbull mix is a hybrid of the Retriever’s big heart combined with the Pit’s attitude and courage.
Golden Retrievers are known for their comfortable demeanor and friendliness. There are more than a few reasons why they are among the top 5 dog breeds in the United States. It is said that the Golden Retriever’s mouth is soft enough to carry an egg.
When crossbred with a Pit Bull, you get a Golden Pit that’s actually golden and still a bundle of energy. They can be slightly high maintenance with a moderate amount of hair shed. You will have to bathe them once a week and brush them daily.
The Golden Pits are a happy go lucky kind of breed that you can take to picnics and brunches without breaking a sweat. They are still likely to be aloof to strangers. Because of it’s Golden Retriever’s parentage, you can put in a little effort into socializing, and every time you get a visitor, they’re just as curious to check who it is.
They are great with kids and naturally sociable pets. A Golden Pit will make an ideal family dog for you. Proper socialization is always recommended regardless of the breed.
12. Doberman Pit
Breed: Doberman Pinschers x Pit Bull mix
The Doberman Pit is the result of crossbreeding Doberman Pinschers with American Pit Bull Terriers. These mixed breeds have a similar appearance to that of a Pit Bull Terrier and the body structure and frame.
Doberman Pits is a confident and courageous Pit mix. However, they’re known to have quite the stubborn streak thanks to the Pit Bull genes. So, as an owner, you will need to be experienced and willing to be persistent with training and discipline.
Otherwise, Doberman Pits are an exceptionally high energy dog breed. Their light frame allows them great physical stamina, and they require a decent amount of exercise each day. These are intelligent dogs, and along with physical exertion to keep them healthy and thriving, mental stimulation is just as crucial.
You will need to regularly play with them, take them out on walks or a run. They’re the kind of dog that will always indulge in activities. Their playful nature makes them a good companion for both young and older people.
If you are interested in a breed that makes you feel safe and loved in your house, the Dober Pit is a great breed. They are very alert but have a shy nature and remain somewhat reserved around strangers.
If you have other pets, farm animals, or children around, it is ideal to begin socializing early. With your time and patience, the Dober Pit can turn out to be an excellent family pet and protector.
Final Thoughts
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a beautiful breed. Their distinct qualities and traits make them well adored and sought after in the world. These courageous dogs have been through rough times in the past, but now, with love and care, they are gaining popularity.
While we have only enlisted the most popular Pit Bull mixes, there are many more hybrids that will make just as good pets for you and your family. These mixed bred dogs have a more composed temperament as compared to their parents.
With so many mixed breeds to choose from, you will have plenty to choose from. Rest assured that you will be bringing home a pup who is less likely to develop health issues. With proper training, patience, and affection, it will be a great conversation starter for you anywhere you take it.
